I can crack up so easily at the thought of leaving my workmates, even though I feel a little estranged at work with so many new people at work. I feel somewhat generationally disconnected from all the new people at work and I tried to explain this to R, but he told me he
But then I think of the basics of work and how pleased I am to leave. I have had enough. Aside from an anonymous Christmas card thanking me for work a few years ago, I have never been complimented about my work until just this last week . How sweet was that. She has no idea what an impact she made in my last week of work with a simple comment.
I thought my last day before leave would be ok, but of course as is typical of my job it wasn't. Always problems and issues. My immediate superior came up to me as I began my lunch break at work to wish me...........well, happy leave, and for me to enjoy myself. I'm afraid I cracked and had to walk away. A couple of minutes later she texted me and apologised for upsetting me. She was not to know that it was such an emotional day for me.
So, I am not yet officially retired, but no longer working. Lordy, the traffic on the way home from work. No, I am not sorry to be on long term leave. There is much I will miss, but the price has become to high.
There will be discussions to have with R about the division of labours. Err, I have to do more! But more importantly about improving out fitness levels and losing weight. Although we are both selfish enough to not want to be the last person standing, but still, there is still a lot to live for.
Congrats on your almost retirement. 40 years working in one place is amazing, people think my 30 years was an achievement. 40 is wow. Enjoy your time of retirement.
ReplyDeleteTera, in some ways it seems like just yesterday when I started.
DeleteThe wonderful thing about retirement is that you are in total control of your own time and can set your own priorities for the day. Making fitness, walking and swimming for example, one of those is a good idea. Enjoy yourself, Roderick
ReplyDeleteRoderick, thanks, and yes, I will need routines that include exercise.
DeleteSounds like how we all feel at a certain point. I didn't like being the oldest person in the department! And yes, the work culture changes over the years.
ReplyDeleteCongrats and enjoy your leave for now.
Jackie, while I certainly wasn't the oldest, I was of the old clique. Thanks.
DeleteRetirement is a big decision, isn't it. On financial grounds but especially social and intellectual grounds. Having long service leave before making a final decision is fortunate.. you will have the chance to test out the world of gyms, coffee lounges and University of the Third Age without commitment :)
ReplyDeleteHels, social only up to a point at work. I made an effort in my last few weeks but generally I did not. It wasn't always the case. I'd better get busy looking at U3A camera courses. I am already expert at coffee lounges. Gym, maybe not.
DeleteEnjoy your leave - to the max.
ReplyDeleteI was forced out of paid employment which came as a shock, but years after the event I have to admit it was the right thing.
EC, and you have built a life after work.
DeleteCongratulations on the start of your new life. Oh the freedom. It is entirely up to you when you get up; when you have lunch; how you want to spend the day. Enjoy, enjoy.
ReplyDeleteMarie, kind of, but I am person who likes routines and discipline. That can be good at times, but not good at other times.
DeleteIt's been seven years at the end of January since I arrived in Thailand. Like you I had months before I was due back but I knew I wouldn't be. It's important to keep fit as you know, but also vital to been the mind occupied. After a hectic work life with all my responsibilities, I felt lost for a time with not all that much to do by comparison. You may also have dreams/nightmares? about being back at work and not meeting deadlines. That one is fun. Good Luck. - Ian
ReplyDeleteIan, thanks. I used to think of living in Thailand, but I no longer do. I would miss my city and family too much. You made me smile about the dreams etc.
DeleteJust think of all the good times you can have now, enjoy!
ReplyDeleteCheryl, well yes, but I have to focus more on just good times.
DeleteYou won't go back, my sister didn't, being a nurse she didn't realize how tired she was until she stopped. She started painting and perfecting the art of being a full time selfish bitch and seems to be doing quite well at it.
ReplyDeleteJah Teh, whatever you think of her, is it not a good thing that she doing ok?
DeleteEntering retirement, yay for you! This is YOUR time. Figure out what makes you feel good, or happy, or satisfied...then do it. And do it again. Enjoy yourself! This is the reward!
ReplyDeleteLovely advice Whimsy.
DeleteWhat a difference one person can make and how lovely of her.
ReplyDeleteEnjoy you payed holiday and if you don't go back, don't feel guilty because you are not at work (some men do, feel guilty)
Margaret, it was a really nice thing to happen. No, no guilt here at all.
DeleteYour comment about recognition, is so important. If only employers the world over would realise that people work better if happy, rather than miserable, they would see a huge increase in their profits/efficiency/customer relations, etc.
ReplyDeleteCro, most people like to do their honest day's work as best they can. Some employers are just hideous towards their staff. My workplace had become like that.
DeleteWhen I was leaving not many people knew because I didn't tell everyone, they assumed I was just taking my long service leave, but after that I continued with my accumulated annual leave and didn't go back as I had already handed in my resignation a week before I began the LSL.
ReplyDeleteYou'll definitely have to do more at home, just to be fair. Work out what each of you does best and split the chores that way if possible.
River, interesting that you resigned before starting your leave. R and myself have never really had problems with division of labours. I am quite prepared to do more. When he stopped working, he began doing a lot more, but that will now change.
DeleteI am lucky enough to constantly be recognised by my customers but when it comes to management, CRICKETS are the general theme.
ReplyDeleteI make it a very big point to always recognise the people around me when they do something awesomely, because I realise that is probably the only recognition they will receive.
And I bring cookies, but only when the good staff are on deck. Usually Tuesdays are cookie days.
I'm doing fitness February this month, I need to get out walking again.
Snoskred, I don't know what CRICKETS is. Yep, you do it well by complimenting people who are not in a position to receive them. Cookies, not biscuits? Walking is good.
DeleteAndrew...I wish you all the very best. It is time for you to exhale...
ReplyDeleteI can understand how emotional your last week and day were...it's not easy...no parting of the ways ever is. You've just taken a massive, giant step...
Time to smell the roses, my dear! :)
Lee, and perhaps inhale, as I am no longer subject to random drug tests, haha. I would have been ok if my immediate superior did not come down from her ivory office to wish me well. She is terribly nice. Thank you.
DeleteNow Andrew.... put your feet up and have a drink !
ReplyDeleteOne door closes and another .....
Lady J, that is exactly want I should not do as I can already do that rather well.
DeleteI can imagine it would be hard to leave a workplace where you've worked for 40 years! I'm not the oldest at work but I'm the one who's been there the longest (12 years in March) and I already feel it's time to go somewhere else....or retire if I could :)
ReplyDeleteEnjoy your long holiday Andrew.
Sami, I bet you know you are good at your job, and I expect others do too. After 12 years you start to have a lot invested in your workplace, but I offer no advice. Thanks.
DeleteCongrats!! What A Milestone My Man. Fill us in on your new found hobbies, travel plans, and how you will occupied your new found freedom. Exciting Times Await
ReplyDeleteCheers
Padre, I have already re holidays. At the moment I just feel a sense of relief.
DeleteGood for you, Andrew. To quote the HH on retirement---Every day's a Saturday:)
ReplyDeleteSandra, that is exactly what I don't want it to be, what I normally do on a Saturday when I am not working, but I do get the point. Thanks.
DeleteCongratulations on your retirement. Enjoy.
ReplyDeleteThanks Kirk. I didn't realise you had a new blog. I'll be over there as soon as I have finished here.
DeleteWhat an awesome time of life to be in. Enjoy what's next!
ReplyDeleteJames, I always enjoy my life, but I want to live longer and so must become more healthy.
DeleteThe days are now for you to enjoy as you choose. I’m six months into my retirement and loving every minute of it. Don’t miss work, as like you doing shift work over the years does tire you out.
ReplyDeleteAllan, one of the best things is when someone asks us can we do something, I can just say yes, without having to check work times and days off.
DeleteOh wow Andrew, this is a huge life change thing, scary I would think, leaving behind something so familiar, and also the familiar schedule. Now you will free fall until you work out something, for your days. I hope you find a meaningful enjoyable way to spend your time.
ReplyDeleteStrayer, you are very perceptive. I will be in freefall for some time, I think.
DeleteAll the best as you navigate this big change. I think what I would miss most would be the people; my work family is important to me and I would miss the interaction. I have a cousin who had to retire for health reasons about ten years ago; she and her workmates decided to have lunch together once a month to keep up with each other. (She would probably do it oftener except for the difficulty she has getting around.) If any of your co-workers have said "we'll have to get together" or "don't be a stranger", take them up on it :)
ReplyDeleteJenny, thanks. My partner does as your cousin does with a former workmate but my job makes it hard as it is rotating shift work. Aside from one person, I have really moved on from workmates and socialising with them. The ones I know are mostly married men with families, born overseas, around my age and we have little in common.
DeleteTheoretically I would say this is an excellent idea after so many working years. But there is a but, it is not so easy to suddenly stop to work and have time ! I had it and husband too ! It took us almost 3 years to learn how to fill in the time and look for hobbies. I retired first and I remember it had been awful. Mr. G. was full of plans and ideas of what he would do and then did nothing ! Then he worked at a volunteer for the city and teached elderly or younger people how to work with a computer. Then he added 3 afternoons of playing Whist ! Now he is happy, although he doesn't want to travel anymore. Me too I found my way, it was a big change to have my "better" half the whole day around and that will be probably the same case for R. Of course you have to share all household scores ! He is retired too, lol ! Mine likes to go shopping and takes care of the kitchen for the rest we have a cleaning lady, and together we have our computers and TV !and the cats of course !
ReplyDeleteGattina, that is so helpful. Thanks. I too am full of ideas but actually getting out and putting them into practice is a whole different thing. Maybe I will just roam around taking photos. I do actually enjoy that.
DeleteYou will love it I'm sure Andrew, you won't miss the traffic! It might take a few weeks but as you say, the making of arrangements in your own time, not having to rush in the morning. Breakfast and lunch with R and other friends.. you've worked hard, you deserve to reap the benefits of that hard work 💙
ReplyDeleteGrace, yes, I do like the no rushing in the morning. I'm afraid we are a little short of friends now, except I have plenty here. It doesn't really worry us, but I do think of when one of us is not around. Thanks.
DeleteThe start of the rest of your life. Big adjustments but you'll find things to keep you busy Keep a routine going, humans thrive on routine x
ReplyDeleteFen, I have to make sure I have good routines and not bad ones. I am far too fond of lying in bed with my tablet and getting up to no good.
Delete